Bonjour, et bienvenue à Paris! France’s picture-perfect capital is one of the great romantic cities, home to countless chic cafes, charming cobblestone streets and artistic masterworks. From the scenic Seine to the comforting smell of fresh crepes, the magic of Paris is unmissable.
Your French adventure begins upon check-in at your Parisian hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to get acquainted with the ‘City of Lights’ and its many delights.
Wake to an invigorating 'petit dejeuner' at your hotel, then set off to discover Paris’ most beloved sights on a guided morning walking tour. Start at the incomparable Eiffel Tower, originally constructed for the World’s Fair of 1889. This wrought-iron beauty has become one of France’s most enduring symbols, winning hearts the world over thanks to its elegant curvature and distinctive style. Stroll the Champ de Mars, then hop across to Concorde, where King Louis XVI was famously sent to the guillotine during the French Revolution. Walk the Champs-Elysees to the astounding Arc de Triomphe, where you’ll be taken to atop for one of the city’s most spectacular views.
Your afternoon is yours to continue exploring freely, perhaps following your senses to a delicious lunch and the chance to people-watch like a local. For those seeking a little more guidance, choose to join an optional tour of the first arrondissement and its many opulent sights, like the Musee de l'Orangerie in the beautiful Tuileries Garden, the Place Vendome and the stunning exterior of the Louvre (at additional cost).
Optional activity:
- First arrondissement afternoon tour (from A$199 per person, four guests minimum).
Today, delve into the bohemian beauty of the Latin Quarter. Start by wandering through charming old streets, past storied bistros and traditional French markets, making your way along Quai Saint-Michel to the site of Notre-Dame de Paris. One of the great achievements of French Gothic architectural design, this ornate cathedral must be seen to be believed.
Continue south to the fantastical buildings of Sorbonne University and the nearby Pantheon, then weave through the vibrant street market of Rue Mouffetard. Finish among the immaculate 17th-century lawns of Luxembourg Gardens, and re-energise over a well-earned lunch at a local brasserie.
This afternoon, travel north to the artist enclave of Montmartre, known as much for its beautiful streets as it is for historic residents. During the Belle Epoque, Montmartre played host to revered artists from Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec to Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. At the top of its crowning hill lies Sacre-Coeur, where you’ll visit the mesmerising basilica dome. Discover the caricaturists and portrait-painters of the Place du Tertre, then weave down the sloping streets past the vineyard of Clos Montmartre. Walk through Place des Abbesses and visit the Pigalle, where you’ll find the iconic windmill of the Moulin Rouge.
The evening is yours to spend at leisure.
After an energising breakfast, set out for more sightseeing with a tour to the Marais. Witness the astonishing 17th-century hotels, manicured gardens and squares that make this district feel like a storybook fantasy. Cross Place des Vosges, where acclaimed author Victor Hugo once lived, then enter the covered market of Les Enfants Rouges, the city’s oldest food market dating back over 400 years. As you uncover the neighbourhood's bountiful charms, be sure to pop in for a taste of tradition at one of its long-running bakeries, elegant tea rooms or tantalising chocolate shops.
This afternoon, spend your time freely, then perhaps join an optional evening cruise along the Seine to watch the City of Lights roll by over a delectable three-course dinner of traditional French cuisine, with a glass of Kir and bottle of wine between four guests (at additional cost).
Optional activity:
- River Seine dinner cruise (from A$299 per person).
Today, bid adieu to Paris as you transfer to the jaw-dropping Loire Valley. Along the way, stop at Chartres for a walk around this idyllic hub and the chance to see the famed Chartres Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with breathtaking stained-glass windows, dating back to the 12th century.
Later, your tour takes you to Tours, once the capital of France, renowned for its culinary accomplishments and scenic beauty
Your first day in the valley sees you stopping in at the famous Chateau de Chambord, recognised for its spectacular Renaissance architecture and medieval artistry. Commissioned by King Francois I in the 16th-century, the valley’s largest castle is also one of France’s greatest historic treasures.
Follow your guide around the grounds and through a selection of the 440 castle rooms. Afterwards, sit down to lunch at a restaurant on the estate, where the chefs dedicate their efforts to showcasing the unique character and versatility of their regional ingredients.
Later, continue to the riverside city of Blois for a tour through the streets along each bank of the Loire. Tonight, return to Tours for a restful evening.
Home of kings and polymaths, Amboise is a shining jewel of Renaissance architecture and history. On a guided tour of Chateau d’Amboise, you’ll experience the vast terraces and glorious gardens overlooking the glassy Loire currents. After admiring the mighty spires and fortifications of the chateau, it’s time to partake in a special wine tasting at renowned Caves Ambacia. In these 15th-century royal cellars, you’ll sample some of Maison Duhard's fine collection wines on a journey through 500 years of Loire Valley wine-making, illustrating a blend of ancient tradition and modern viticultural techniques.
Keep your attention on regional growing at a lunch that puts local producers front and centre, serving up a delectable taste of the region’s finest ingredients.
Continue on your way to the Chateau de Chenonceau for a guided tour of one of the valley’s most beloved historic mansions. Nicknamed the 'Ladies’ Castle’ thanks to its association with Catherine de Medici, Queen of France, and its exceptional late-Gothic riverside architecture, it’s offers a magnificent setting that will have you dreaming of an earlier age. Later this afternoon, return to Tours for an easy-going, guided walk through the city centre.
Rise and shine for a day filled with stunning castles and gardens as you send off your time in the Loire Valley in style. Marvel at the blend of traditional French and Italian design at Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau, built during the early years of King Francois I’s reign. Walk in the footsteps of Henry II at Chateau de Villandry, where you’ll take a turn around the beautiful Renaissance gardens.
After a filling local lunch at Villandry, continue on your way to elegant Orleans. Discover the city’s proud history on a guided walk through the old town, where you’ll hear about Joan of Arc’s pivotal role in winning the Hundred Years’ War.
Later, return to Paris for another evening in one of the world’s most romantic cities.
After breakfast, your tour comes to a close upon checkout from your hotel. Having kicked off a Loire Valley love affair, it may not be a matter of saying ‘au revoir’, but rather ‘a bientot’!